Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is in control of policy for public lands across the West and he will be taking the heat in battles over everything from oil exploration to new wilderness areas. Just two months into his appointment, this 5th generation Hispanic Colorado rancher is already proving refreshingly different than the old boss.

As a native, you really only need to know two things when it comes to your local resorts: How do I get there on the cheap? And where are the best lines and powder stashes? In an attempt to answer those questions, we present Elevation Outdoors’ guide to the best deals and terrain at winter resorts across Colorado.